No one in the village has seen a giant since the last war. But when a giant body falls through the sky and is found dead. To avoid any further troubleNo one in the village has seen a giant since the last war. But when a giant body falls through the sky and is found dead. To avoid any further trouble Anwen (the meadow witch) & Cerys (the best at High Magic) decide to send a plea for help to the giant kingdom by planting a beanstalk. Little did they know this would result in them being transported to that very kingdom.
Astonished to find that the person who died is a King, the two have to stay at the palace until the giants develop a non-magical way to transport them back to their homeland below. It's a chance for Anwen to put her itching brain to the test and solve this murder mystery with a few obstacles and a few new friends in the foreign land.
I enjoyed this short and crisp adventurous mystery and the unique style of investigation. Because the pacing was fast & the characters had a real touch to them, it easily turned into a favourite. If one had to pick this book up just for 3 reasons, I would say the plot, the pacing and the characters. For anyone looking out for a cosy mystery not based in a cafe/bakery, yet having the sparks, check this out....more
First in the series, the book follows 2 main storylines. One focuses on Krishna and Bhanumati trying to save the fate of people in Mathura with an altFirst in the series, the book follows 2 main storylines. One focuses on Krishna and Bhanumati trying to save the fate of people in Mathura with an alternate strategy. On the other Karna's character emerges with his own set of challenges that mixes his destiny, past life and future into an adventurous ride.
The prologue surely invested me into the story. I was excited to see how the Mahabharata-inspired tale spans out into its own epic fantasy. The main characters certainly had a depth to them with multiple angles developed and introduced to readers (their intellect, emotional baggage & strengths).
While the book did have so many layers to it, I did have a few concerns. The character names & a few relationship dynamics were borrowed from the original, but they often played a different role and interest areas, which confuses whether to live with the image in mind or with the partially developed side characters who we may or may not understand. Another turn-off was that the female characters were explained in a stereotypical way. And lastly, it is not exactly a clean read!
Hence, I had hard time deciphering if I loved it or had too many issues with it, which leaves my rating to somewhere in the middle. Given the length of the story, I feel at least a few of the muddles could be cleared up. ...more
The way things ended in book 2 was, we couldn't think there would be more left to unfold - but I am so glad to be wrong! Trapped in a cage on a foreigThe way things ended in book 2 was, we couldn't think there would be more left to unfold - but I am so glad to be wrong! Trapped in a cage on a foreign ship, Zélie discovers, they haven't really won, the iron skulls are back and King Baldyr is the true player behind the scenes who destroyed civilizations in search of her. Her destiny and fight to be free forever drive her to unknown shores, as she understands what it will take to break Baldyr.
People who enjoyed the first two books in the Orïsha series will love this. I loved the world buildup, fast-paced narration, the characters (so happy to see Amari finally acting up) and the constant urge to survive even when everything seems lost. The antagonist's hunger for power and the blood moon ritual tie up this part beautifully.
One thing that's tricky in here is a constantly evolving plot and the twists, which will be very subjective to readers - I enjoyed it for the most part except for the abrupt end. Also, there isn't much romance but I am totally fine fuelled by revenge too. Just wanted to put this out there for people looking for a romantasy section. ...more
After the discovery of Aya's power, her role now seems to be straightforward, be the saint that saves the realm and fulfil the prophecy. But why does After the discovery of Aya's power, her role now seems to be straightforward, be the saint that saves the realm and fulfil the prophecy. But why does she feel there is more to her destiny than this? Long gone are the people she could trust, this fight seems to need to be fought alone.
Affinity - is such an interesting concept for rendering energy of various forms and it also plays a key role in the plot twists of the story. Personally, I enjoyed the trio and was waiting for things to settle down between them ...more
I failed to understand what the book was trying to communicate. While the elements individually lured me into reading this book, it was not the prominI failed to understand what the book was trying to communicate. While the elements individually lured me into reading this book, it was not the prominent theme (unlike the spicy lines) that kept popping up every few paragraphs. I only wish there was a disclaimer about it and all this could have been avoided. If you like spicy fantasy books only then pick this up. It's not my cup of tea....more
Aileen Henderson has always preferred a low-profile life, making it easier to hide her past. One night, it all changes when she dies and wakes up to bAileen Henderson has always preferred a low-profile life, making it easier to hide her past. One night, it all changes when she dies and wakes up to blood lust in the world of vampires with lords and leagues. Aileen is now set to exact her revenge on Ragnor, who condemned her to this eternal damnation, but first, she must survive the auction.
The leagues of vampires are similar to a coven of witches (in a conceptual way) and the whole displaying of talent and recruitment made it a delicious meal for bookworms. There were a few very steamy scenes in the book so it's not exactly a clean read.
Reading this book felt more like a prequel to the story as there is so much more left to explore, what happens after the auction? What is the role of those mortal Gods? Why are these vamps so afraid of them, and this fierce emotion of frenemy?
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to what happens next, though if it was slightly less smutty I would enjoy the premise more. + The old Gods concepts have yet to be fully introduced, so that's another fruit left hanging on the tree. ...more
A witch comes home to find that the person who raised her is killed and they stole her magical box. The human in possession of it has decided to take A witch comes home to find that the person who raised her is killed and they stole her magical box. The human in possession of it has decided to take charge and be the new king. Many would like the kingdom to be free again though each of them fight for their own cause and things escalate when an ancient source threatens to be bought back to life by the faes.
The book is pitched to fans of SJM & Holly Black, so I thought since I am a Holly Black reader, might as well try this. Sad to say things did not exactly went as planned. The fantasy and magical tropes lured me into reading the book and frankly, the witchy angle was good too. I had difficulty aligning with the characters and understanding where the plot is going. Honestly just Its a good book, just not for me though. ...more
I finished reading this wildly famous fantasy book, and I have so many thoughts to share, which we are going to do in a list of pros and cons style.
HeI finished reading this wildly famous fantasy book, and I have so many thoughts to share, which we are going to do in a list of pros and cons style.
Here is what I enjoyed reading: • The powers and limitations of Death's knowledge • The attempt to mix the Regency era in a Gothic story was unique • Even though this is part of a series, we got a complete story in this part and a link to interlink in book 2 • The connection of Signa to death and her wild attempts to save people she just met but felt like family • The grey theme of every family member, where each of them had their own flaws. • The ghosts were amazing, in fact, the library one was so cute and helpful • That hung-over stage in between life and death, I liked talking about it.
That being said, there were certainly some brow-raising moments too: • The book has a murder mystery plot too, and sometimes I think they forgot that there is a murder to be solved between the tea parties, balls and love-making • The obsession of Death over a newborn child felt a little creepy to me. The later love angle is still fine though • There were a few repetitions, that would have made sense if we were in book 2 or 3, but since we are in the same book, it felt unnecessary • The side characters were really numb
Overall I think it was good for 1 time read & the cover is beautiful Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️...more
This book is a prequel to Fable, based in the same world of narrows. Saint has always been given difficult cards in life, but he has dealt with them iThis book is a prequel to Fable, based in the same world of narrows. Saint has always been given difficult cards in life, but he has dealt with them in the best possible way. Years after his father's death, his dream is about to come true! A ship, a cure and a trader's license - but his paths have crossed with an unknown dredger and in the blink of an eye, everything is up in a toss.
The forbidden pull between the two protagonists is layered beautifully in the waves of the Narrows. There were a few familiar names in here like the ship Luna and a few characters, but my favourite part was when the book drew the connection from Saint to West. It all made sense in my head once the story was completed, but earlier I was constantly confusing Fable and Isolde due to the similarities. This was such a wonderful read, though I do recommend my fellow readers to reread Fable, so it is easier to make the connections.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, YA Rating: 4/5 ⭐️ ...more
With great power, comes greater setbacks. Over the years David has grown his credibility as a medium for the secret society he works with. Recently, hWith great power, comes greater setbacks. Over the years David has grown his credibility as a medium for the secret society he works with. Recently, he has been experiencing strange issues and the only people he thinks can pull him out of this mess are his Ex & his wife. Helping David may unearth several other emotions that Rhys can't decide what scares him more: not helping his old love OR losing his present one in the process.
The plot was certainly riveting with magical society and the presence of supernatural aspects & enchantments made it all the more engrossing. I wasn't really a fan of polygamy or multi-partner relationships so it was a little difficult to enjoy the dynamics between David Rhys and his wife (Moira). The constant clash just kept me at bay from really rooting for the characters. Nevertheless, the storyline involving curses, dark lore & the writing style kept me going and I did enjoy most of what I read....more
When a Chinese-American girl visits her granny, the last thing she expects to happen is a revival of her passionThanks @prhinternational for the book.
When a Chinese-American girl visits her granny, the last thing she expects to happen is a revival of her passion for painting, which was otherwise dwindling with time. When she paints her childhood favourite 'Luna' using the beautiful Jade brush, Luna comes alive! The brush is magical for sure, but magic too has rules that are accompanied by unknown scary adventures.
This middle-grade story is beautifully illustrated throughout the book and would be a great pick for fans of Chinese Legends. The imagination is top-notch, but the author made sure to add a touch of valid explanation (via rules) in this magical world. There is also an underlying message for children/adults reading it allowing them to build upon their acceptance level, being courageous and not being afraid to try new things. Call me old school but I do enjoy that touch in middle-grade books ...more
We have heard a plethora of versions around the types of witches and their powers. This book is an amalgamation of all that information but, in a sortWe have heard a plethora of versions around the types of witches and their powers. This book is an amalgamation of all that information but, in a sorted way. Divided into 10 chapters, the book takes you through the different classifications of witches, discussing their origins, habitat, power and the folklore surrounding them.
The structure of the book was particularly interesting as the author went beyond just info dumping and also gave us longer stories in each of them. Along with that, you could see that the whole book was held together with an underlying theme of the Major Arcana cards from the deck like a Daedalian series of mysteries unfolding into an unknown path of alchemical transformation.
And oh my God the illustrations in here were so gorgeous, I can go surfing through those pages in an infinite loop. Now I am not really an expert on the subject, but the contents of the book almost felt nonfiction to me ...more
To hunt or to cure - what do you choose? A great fantasy book to escape from the real world. I was pretty invested in Nara and Osha's life and waited fTo hunt or to cure - what do you choose? A great fantasy book to escape from the real world. I was pretty invested in Nara and Osha's life and waited for them to find a happy end. But life in a world divided between pure and branded does not make it easy to be happier. As they grew up under their tyrant’s nose, Nara awaited an escape - and life offered it in strange form. But with freedom also comes danger, that may tinker with an unknown dormant power.
There are prophesies, special capabilities, hooking plot twists and sort of a love triangle to keep you engrossed. The stark contrast between the two siblings is apt! The world buildup is done at an expansive length (which I don't see that often) with grey sides to each character, no one here is totally good or bad, just human enough with their own traumas and abilities to deal with difficulties of life.
But... the author had to close this on a cliffhanger! I have no clue when the next part will be out and the ambiguity is killing me. Who drops a b*mb like that and then just poof ...more
Set up in a modern world, this is a supernatural middle-grade mystery. But can adults enjoy it? I sure did!
Children these days have ample options to Set up in a modern world, this is a supernatural middle-grade mystery. But can adults enjoy it? I sure did!
Children these days have ample options to choose their aspirations, but Dotty has decided to be a supernatural sleuth. While keeping an open mind, she observes situations around her and determines if the phenomenon working out is natural or not - in either case, there has to be a valid explanation. For instance, recently potatoes all across the town have been vanishing and there are no fries. On the other hand, there is a drastic shift in the living choices of the adults of the town, something is totally off about this and Dotty decides to investigate.
The book presents both extremes of the food spectrum very well. The adults creating unbending laws around healthier food choices, especially when it comes to their kids and the equal repulsion kids feel when mandated to follow such rules out of the blue. While the overlying story is a spooky mystery, I enjoyed these added elements of contemporary health-related trends and discussing both the pros and cons around it.
P.S: There is a reference to a Nakali Guru from India and as I understand Hindi, I was a little sceptical on why this name, though I would ask you to trust the author and keep your patience - it will all make sense later.
A battle for the throne is never at rest. This book inspired by actual events of history is a tale of a ruler who wants to be the one true King. But hA battle for the throne is never at rest. This book inspired by actual events of history is a tale of a ruler who wants to be the one true King. But his death leaves the kingdom divided in lust for power. None of his children agrees with the decision the king made and each one gets busy plotting treachery to position themselves on the higher ranks.
The book is strongly influenced by the historical implication of the time period when Christianity was gaining momentum and the behaviours dictated towards paganism. Despite the length of the book, the book is well-paced as you are constantly engaged in multiple narratives of different characters and the complexity only increases as you move forward.
I wished the book included a brief disclaimer about the spice level/ smuttiness present in every chapter, which I usually stray away from. Besides that, the plot line was certainly interesting and if you enjoyed Game of Thrones for its politics, power, love angles and deceitfulness, you can give this one a try.
Thanks, @booksforwardpr @jboycegleason for the review copy. Genre: #historicalfiction #fantasy Spice level: ...more
A sprinkle of dark magic in the darkness descends upon the town, driving them into madness. "Goddess, goddess, count to five In the morning, who’s alivA sprinkle of dark magic in the darkness descends upon the town, driving them into madness. "Goddess, goddess, count to five In the morning, who’s alive?"
A young girl has gone missing and the police are questioning everyone in school, town and more. But the answers only ly with the best friend (Becca), and when she decides to go looking for her sole friend, she uncovers a gloominess that has been shadowing this town for decades now and it all started with just a Goddess Game.
If you are looking for uncanny spooky tales, dark games that go wrong mixed with nefarious men, this book is for you. There is murkiness, there is a conundrum and it is all situated in a contemporary world of school-going students. Besides these, I enjoyed the angles of toxic friendships, obsession and the zeal for survival that were combined well with the town's folklore background. I find this book good for beginners, interested in venturing into these genres.
Thank you @flatiron_books @macmillan.audio @melissaalbertauthor for the ARC. Genre: #ya #fantasy #horror Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
An old barn in the woods has now become a playspot for the 3 children, and one day, they decide to brew the Witch's concoction, thinking it would do nAn old barn in the woods has now become a playspot for the 3 children, and one day, they decide to brew the Witch's concoction, thinking it would do no harm. Little did they know they were inviting trouble. They have caught the witch’s attention, and it might just destroy everything they hold dear.
I loved the short crisp version this story presented and it's fast paced structure. Some may find it dark, though it was a cozy witchy story for me involving some adventure.
There is no way I would let my readers wait after the horrible end of book 2. In the aftermath of what Apollo did to her, she is now living a blissfulThere is no way I would let my readers wait after the horrible end of book 2. In the aftermath of what Apollo did to her, she is now living a blissful life as a queen, wed to the prince (now king) of the north. But the unhinging feeling inside her never fades and keeps warning her something is wrong. As she struggles to discover what she has lost, a new house of power emerges into the picture and things are turning dangerously royal.
I read this book half in pain half in rooting for a happily ever after. While the plot keeps moving towards a doom's end, there is a little hope in me that wishes they find their way around. The climax has multiple twists, which is commendable. Finishing this book felt like a do-or-die assignment as I just couldn't rest until I knew how it ended....more
After everything she has been through with Jack, Evangeline really wants to stay far away from him, considering she now understands her own power bettAfter everything she has been through with Jack, Evangeline really wants to stay far away from him, considering she now understands her own power better. But with another curse hitting her beloved husband, she can't see a better option than to collaborate with Jack once more.
There is definitely a forced proximity trope in here that I am rooting for and the number of plot twists and new dimensions introduced in this part is something I did enjoy. I am really rooting for Jack, and am devastated by the cliffhanger ending. P.S. I think I am enjoying the smirky writing in this part. By far much more entertaining than the preceding part....more
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